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SANCTITY OF LIFE MINISTRIES
In early 2005, the Church and Society
Committee requested items to fill a baby basket for delivery to
Sanctity
of Life Ministries in Fairfax. Our goal was to have a full
basket of new born or infant items to assist new mothers, fathers, and
their unborn babies. We set a target date of Mother’s Day, May 8, 2005
to fill the basket and present it to Sanctity of Life Ministries. The
basket, along with a list of needed items, and brochures about
Sanctity of Life Ministries, was placed in the hall near the elevator,
where it still remains. |
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The response was, and
continues to be, overwhelming! We have provided about two full baskets
to Sanctity of Life Ministries every month, and have continued to do
this most worthy ministry for new born babies and their parents. The
Pender United Methodist congregation has been very supportive of this
ministry. We also believe the parents of children in the Pender Hill
Pre-School, and Mother’s Day Out Program (along with their children)
are also very supportive of this ministry, and contribute towards its
success. |
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Kay Gardner, Director of the Fairfax
Pregnancy Help Center, Sanctity of Life Ministries provided the following
information:
First of all, thank you so much for all that Pender has done for Sanctity of
Life Ministry. We have loved BEING loved by Pender’s support and gifts for our
clients—especially through your basket ministry!
One particular client who has been a recipient of Pender’s benevolence has been
a special inspiration. She gave birth to triplets last July. Though she lives
frugally with her husband and other children, she viewed the triplet babies as
their special gift from God right from the beginning! Despite the financial
strain of 3 new babies—2 boys and a baby girl—she walks with a beautiful faith
that God has a plan for their provision. Pender has indeed been a part of His
plan—your good works have truly blessed a family in need.
“For we are His workmanship, created unto Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
With sincere appreciation... Kay Gardner |
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Sanctity of Life Ministries has three
office locations; Alexandria Pregnancy Help Center, 8305 Richmond Highway,
Suite 13A, Alexandria, VA 22309; Fairfax Pregnancy Help Center, 10875 Main
Street, Suite 109, Fairfax, VA 22030; and their newest location 10521-D
Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 in Patriot Square across from George
Mason University. Sanctity of Life Ministries can always use prayers,
financial and material donations, and volunteer support (men and women)
for counseling or presentations related to abstinence, sexual abuse,
sexually transmitted diseases, post-abortion etc.
You can learn more about this ministry and your opportunities to help by
visiting or calling one of their offices (the Fairfax telephone number is
703-278-5433) or check out their internet web site at
www.slmgetinvolved.org. You may also learn more about
this ministry by attending the Sanctity of Life Ministries 2006 Fellowship
Banquet at 6:30 pm on Friday, March 31,2006, at the Fairview Park
Marriott, Falls Church, VA. Reservations must be made by March 17th by
calling 703-725-8702 or visiting the web site.
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Pender Prayer Chain
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for
this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pender is a church committed to the power of prayer. Our prayer chain is a group
of church members constantly in prayer for the needs of our congregation. To
make your prayer needs known, you may e-mail the prayer chain by clicking
here to send an e-mail.
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Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to
love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting
receive the love and care they need to support them.
Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
Are you suffering in the areas of your health, attitude, or relationships?
Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the
death of a loved one, or a recent move?
Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, listen, and share
God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may
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What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside a hurting person; a caring
Christian friend who really listens; a lay person who has received 50 hours of
training in how to provide Christian care.
A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem-solver, or a
casual visitor.
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are hospitalized,
terminally ill, bereaved, in the midst of a job crisis, persons new to the
church, the disabled, homebound, lonely, those in a spiritual crisis, or who are
in need of a caring, Christian friend. The referral process begins when a person
- either you, a relative, or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian
care.
The Stephen Ministry Referral’s Coordinator learns about this need for care -
from the pastor, the person, or a friend ---- always with the person's
permission. The Referral’s Coordinator meets with the person to talk about
Stephen Ministry. With the person's permission, the Referral’s Coordinator
assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person. The
Stephen Minister continues to provide Christian care for the person with strict
confidentiality.
Stephen Ministers Are Called to Be Caregivers
Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
God Is the Caregiver
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will
give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
If you would like more information on how to become a Stephen Minister or to
receive care from one, please talk to one of our Pastors or Pender’s Stephen
Leader, Kent Allingham. You can reach Kent at (703) 691-1786 (Home) or (703)
886-3943 (Work).
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Congregational Care
Congregational
Care is an extension of the care given by the pastorate. It is caring,
nurturing, and ministering in a personal way – Pender UMC church family
serving Pender UMC church family. We write cards and notes, make phone
calls, arrange special care for certain needs and are available to reach
out where needed. We send Christmas & Easter baskets to shut-ins and
cards to those too far away to send baskets. Through Martha’s Table,
a special group organized within Pender UMC, we plan, prepare and serve
funeral meals at the church and provide meals to those with special
needs such as new parents or members who have just had surgery. Most
importantly, we try to care for and be interested in those who may
require a special touch of Jesus’ love.
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Military/College Outreach
The object of the Campus/Military
Ministry is to stay in touch with all of our young adults (18-25 years
old) who are enrolled in higher education, involved in a career path,
or who are members of the armed forces. This is a Pender ministry to
show God's love to our young adults and to encourage them to grow in
their relationship with God.
Email and mailing addresses are collected and compiled to try and stay
in touch with this age group. They will receive care packages during
final exam periods, as well as cards and notes throughout the year. A
summer Bible study (Lifeline) is offered to those who are home between
May and August.
The names and addresses of our school/career/military persons are
available so that any interested Pender member can correspond with
them and assist in this outreach.
Contact: Jim and Susan Carter
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Church And
Society
Each year the Church and Society
Committee sponsors several events.
In January we celebrate Right to Life
Sunday with a speaker from Sanctity of Life Ministries. Throughout the
year we have a baby basket ministry with a basket in the hallway for
anyone to place baby items in. This is filled regularly and then taken
to Sanctity of Life Ministries for use of new parents in need of baby
items. The congregation, as well as the Pender Hill School
participants, have been very supportive of this effort.
The first Thursday in May is the
National Day of Prayer. In celebration of this a breakfast is held at
the church, followed by a prayer service in which we hold up our
leaders (National, State, Local and Church).
October is normally devoted to
anti-pornography events.
November is normally devoted to the
Persecuted Church worldwide.
Articles of current interest, or
pertaining to any of the above issues, are regularly published in the
Pender Post, the monthly church publication. Some items are also
submitted to be included in the Pender Web Site.
The Church and Society Committee also
participates in the fellowship hour and the annual mission/ministry
fair.
The committee is staffed with a small
number of dedicated volunteers and would love to have many more
interested participants.
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